Tree removal permit rules in Deschutes County, OR — sometimes called heritage tree, protected tree, or street tree ordinances — list which trees require a permit before you can cut them down.
On forestland, the Oregon Forest Practices Act (ORS Chapter 527) preempts local tree-cutting regulation. ORS 527.722 prohibits cities and counties from adopting rules governing forest practices on lands subject to the Act, leaving regulation to the State Board of Forestry.
ORS 527.722 expressly preempts local government regulation of accepted forest practices on forestland, defined under ORS 527.620 as land used for the growing and harvesting of forest tree species. The Oregon Department of Forestry administers harvest notifications, reforestation requirements, riparian protections, and road standards uniformly statewide. Cities and counties retain authority over urban tree removal on non-forestland (residential lots, parks, street trees) and may require permits for heritage or significant trees. The boundary between preempted forest practices and local urban tree rules depends on whether the parcel meets the statutory definition of forestland and whether the activity qualifies as a forest practice.
Local ordinances regulating commercial forest operations on forestland are void under ORS 527.722. Forest Practices Act violations are enforced by the Oregon Department of Forestry under ORS 527.683 with civil penalties up to $5,000 per violation.
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